GB2577247A - Automatic headlight activation in fog conditions - Google Patents

Automatic headlight activation in fog conditions Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2577247A
GB2577247A GB1814771.0A GB201814771A GB2577247A GB 2577247 A GB2577247 A GB 2577247A GB 201814771 A GB201814771 A GB 201814771A GB 2577247 A GB2577247 A GB 2577247A
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GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
vehicle
computer system
relative humidity
lighting system
measurement means
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Granted
Application number
GB1814771.0A
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GB2577247B (en
GB201814771D0 (en
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William Greenwood Charles
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Individual
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Individual
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Priority to GB1814771.0A priority Critical patent/GB2577247B/en
Publication of GB201814771D0 publication Critical patent/GB201814771D0/en
Priority to PCT/GB2019/000130 priority patent/WO2020053540A2/en
Priority to CN201980074007.9A priority patent/CN113039092A/en
Publication of GB2577247A publication Critical patent/GB2577247A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2577247B publication Critical patent/GB2577247B/en
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
    • B60Q1/0017—Devices integrating an element dedicated to another function
    • B60Q1/0023—Devices integrating an element dedicated to another function the element being a sensor, e.g. distance sensor, camera
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
    • B60Q1/02—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments
    • B60Q1/04—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights
    • B60Q1/14—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights having dimming means
    • B60Q1/1415—Dimming circuits
    • B60Q1/1423—Automatic dimming circuits, i.e. switching between high beam and low beam due to change of ambient light or light level in road traffic
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
    • B60Q1/02—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments
    • B60Q1/04—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights
    • B60Q1/14—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights having dimming means
    • B60Q1/1415—Dimming circuits
    • B60Q1/1423—Automatic dimming circuits, i.e. switching between high beam and low beam due to change of ambient light or light level in road traffic
    • B60Q1/143—Automatic dimming circuits, i.e. switching between high beam and low beam due to change of ambient light or light level in road traffic combined with another condition, e.g. using vehicle recognition from camera images or activation of wipers
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06V—IMAGE OR VIDEO RECOGNITION OR UNDERSTANDING
    • G06V20/00—Scenes; Scene-specific elements
    • G06V20/50—Context or environment of the image
    • G06V20/56—Context or environment of the image exterior to a vehicle by using sensors mounted on the vehicle
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
    • B60Q1/02—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments
    • B60Q1/04—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights
    • B60Q1/18—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights being additional front lights
    • B60Q1/20—Fog lights
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q2300/00—Indexing codes for automatically adjustable headlamps or automatically dimmable headlamps
    • B60Q2300/20—Indexing codes relating to the driver or the passengers
    • B60Q2300/21—Manual control
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q2300/00—Indexing codes for automatically adjustable headlamps or automatically dimmable headlamps
    • B60Q2300/30—Indexing codes relating to the vehicle environment
    • B60Q2300/31—Atmospheric conditions
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q2300/00—Indexing codes for automatically adjustable headlamps or automatically dimmable headlamps
    • B60Q2300/30—Indexing codes relating to the vehicle environment
    • B60Q2300/31—Atmospheric conditions
    • B60Q2300/312—Adverse weather
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q2300/00—Indexing codes for automatically adjustable headlamps or automatically dimmable headlamps
    • B60Q2300/30—Indexing codes relating to the vehicle environment
    • B60Q2300/31—Atmospheric conditions
    • B60Q2300/314—Ambient light

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Lighting Device Outwards From Vehicle And Optical Signal (AREA)

Abstract

A lighting system (100) for a vehicle comprises a headlight system (106), relative humidity measurement means configured to determine the relative air humidity outside the vehicle, and a computer system (102) operatively in communication with the headlight system (106) and the relative humidity measurement means, wherein the computer system (102) is configured to activate the headlight system (106) in response to receiving a signal from the measurement means indicating that the measured relative air humidity value exceeds a predefined threshold value of relative humidity. The lighting system may further comprise a temperature sensor and a geographical location monitoring device operatively in communication with the computer system. The relative humidity measurement means and the temperature sensor may be located within the housing of the exterior mirror of the vehicle. The relative humidity measurement means may comprise an electronic resistive hygrometer, a capacitive hygrometer, a thermal hygrometer or a gravimetric hygrometer.

Description

AUTOMATIC HEADLIGHT ACTIVATION IN FOG CONDITIONS
The present invention relates to a system for automatically activating vehicle headlights in fog conditions.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a system for automatically activating the headlights of a vehicle when it is operating in fog conditions.
Existing vehicles are generally provided with automatic headlight activation systems in various forms, although these often are limited to activation of headlights when the measured outside light intensity falls below a pre-defined threshold level and the subsequent deactivation of headlights once the light intensity is measured to exceed this threshold.
Additionally, many vehicles are configured to allow automatic headlight activation during periods of heavy rain. Many of these vehicles are provided with sensors to determine the amount of rain incident on the vehicle windshield, and are configured to activate the windscreen wipers accordingly. These vehicles may be configured to allow automatic headlight activation once the windscreen wipers have reached a 'continuous' mode of operation.
Whilst these features are useful for maintaining an appropriate vehicle lighting level in certain weather conditions, problems may arise when the vehicle is operating in fog, smog, or mist conditions. In fog conditions, although visibility may be significantly decreased, the presence of suspended water droplets in the air means that the light intensity remains relatively high. Therefore, a vehicle that relies solely on measurements of light intensity to operate automatic headlights will not cause the headlights to be turned on in fog conditions, potentially leading to dangerous driving situations.
As a result, a driver of an existing vehicle must manually activate the headlights when they become aware of fog conditions, and due to the prevalence of automatic lighting in modern vehicles, they may falsely rely on the automatic system to activate the headlights, potentially leading to dangerous driving situations.
Existing systems have attempted to provide a way to automatically activate various vehicle components upon detection of fog conditions. For example, US 2014/198213 describes a system for detecting fog conditions via direct imaging and using this detection to signal that one or more vehicle components should be activated (i.e. operating lights). However, the use of direct imaging via a camera mounted on the vehicle has been found to be inaccurate when attempting to determine whether fog conditions are present. In particular, problems arise with these direct imaging systems when the vehicles are operating in low light settings. Furthermore, direct imaging cameras are prone to calibration problems, which may result in an incorrect assessment of the actual weather conditions in the vicinity of the vehicle.
The present invention aims to address the problems associated with existing systems by providing a vehicle lighting system that can more accurately determine whether a vehicle is operating in fog conditions and activate the vehicle headlights automatically.
In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a lighting system for a vehicle comprises: a headlight system; relative humidity measurement means configured to determine the relative air humidity outside the vehicle; and a computer system operatively in communication with the headlight system and the relative humidity measurement means, wherein the computer system is configured to activate the headlight system in response to receiving a signal from the measurement means indicating that the measured relative air humidity value exceeds a predefined threshold value of relative humidity.
Preferably, the computer system is further configured to deactivate the headlight system in response to: (a) receiving a signal from the relative humidity measurement means indicating that the measured relative air humidity is below a predefined threshold value of relative humidity; and (b) receiving a signal from a light intensity sensor, which is operatively in communication with the computer system, indicating that the outside light intensity exceeds a predefined threshold value of light intensity.
Preferably, the lighting system further comprises a temperature sensor and a geographical location monitoring device operatively in communication with the computer system.
Preferably, the relative humidity measurement means and the temperature sensor are located within the housing of an exterior mirror of the vehicle.
Preferably, the computer system is configured to receive and store data from the relative humidity measurement means, the temperature sensor, the light intensity sensor and the geographical location monitoring device.
Preferably, the lighting system further comprises an interior control unit which is operatively in communication with the computer system, wherein the interior control unit allows the user to manually activate or deactivate one or more vehicle lighting control systems.
Further preferably, the interior control unit comprises conventional vehicle user controls, an instrument panel and an interactive display unit.
In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, a lighting system for a vehicle 20 comprises: a headlight system; a geographical location monitoring device configured to determine the geographical location of a vehicle; and a computer system operatively in communication with an external data management system, wherein the computer system is configured to activate the headlight system in response to determining that the vehicle is located within a predefined geographical region determined by the external data management system.
Preferably, the computer system is further configured to deactivate the headlight system in response to: (a) determining that the vehicle is outside of the predefined geographical region; and (b) receiving a signal from a light intensity sensor, which is operatively in communication with the computer system, indicating that the outside light intensity exceeds a predefined threshold value of light intensity.
Preferably, the lighting system further comprises relative humidity measurement means and a temperature sensor operatively in communication with the computer system.
Preferably, the relative humidity measurement means and the temperature sensor are located within the housing of an exterior mirror of the vehicle.
Preferably, the computer system is configured to receive and store data from the relative humidity measurement means, the temperature sensor, the light intensity sensor, the geographical location monitoring device and the external data management system.
Preferably, the lighting system further comprises an interior control unit which is operatively in communication with the computer system, wherein the interior control unit allows the user to manually activate or deactivate one or more vehicle lighting control systems.
Further preferably, the interior control unit comprises conventional vehicle user controls, an instrument panel and an interactive display unit.
Preferably, the external data management system is configured to send a weather map to the computer system, wherein the weather map indicates geographical regions in which defined weather conditions have been detected.
Further preferably, the external data management system is configured to obtain the weather map from an external weather data source or, alternatively, wherein the external data management system is configured to generate the weather map using data received from the external weather data source.
Preferably, the external data management system is operatively in communication with one or more secondary computer systems.
Preferably, the external data management system is configured to generate and/or update the weather map based on data received from the computer system and/or the one or more secondary computer systems.
Preferably, the relative humidity measurement means comprises: (a) a relative humidity detector to enable direct measurement of relative air humidity; or (b) at least one sensor to enable indirect measurement of relative air humidity.
Further preferably, the relative humidity detector comprises an electronic resistive hygrometer, a capacitive hygrometer, a thermal hygrometer or a gravimetric hygrometer.
Preferably, the lighting system further comprises a noise generator, wherein the noise generator is operatively in communication with the computer system, and wherein the computer system is configured to activate the noise generator immediately following the activation of the headlight system.
By way of example only, specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of the vehicle lighting system.
Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the vehicle lighting system.
Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a third embodiment of the vehicle lighting system.
Referring firstly to Figure 1, a vehicle lighting system 100 of a vehicle comprises a computer system 102 which is operatively in communication with a vehicle lighting control unit 104.
The vehicle lighting control unit 104 is configured to activate and deactivate a headlight control system 106 and additional vehicle lighting systems, which may include fog light, rear light, brake light, reversing light, and/or indicator light control systems (not shown), as appropriate.
The computer system 102 is operatively in communication with relative humidity measurement means in the form of a detector 108, wherein the detector 108 is a relative humidity detector comprising a conventional electronic resistive hygrometer and is configured to measure the relative air humidity outside the vehicle. The computer system 102 is also in communication with a temperature sensor 110; a light intensity sensor 112, which is configured to measure the light intensity incident upon the vehicle; and a geographical location monitoring device 114, which is configured to monitor and record the geographical location of the vehicle. The geographical location monitoring device 114 comprises a conventional GPS tracking device.
The computer system 102 is configured to receive and store data from the relative humidity detector 108, the temperature sensor 110, the light intensity sensor 112 and the geographical location monitoring device 114 in its internal memory. In operation, the computer system 102 stores the measured relative humidity value, the measured outside temperature value, the measured light intensity incident upon the vehicle and the geographical location and time at which these measurements are made. The computer system 102 is preferably configured to receive and store consecutive data entries at time intervals predetermined by the vehicle user or manufacturer.
The relative humidity detector 108 and the temperature sensor 110 are positioned within the housing of a vehicle wing mirror, in order to accurately measure the relative air humidity and the air temperature outside of the vehicle. However, it is envisaged that the relative humidity detector 108 and the temperature sensor 110 could be positioned at any suitable location on the exterior of the vehicle.
The computer system 102 is configured to analyse the data received from the relative humidity detector 108 to determine the relative air humidity value outside of the vehicle. The measured relative air humidity value is compared to a predefined threshold relative humidity value, which may be defined by the user or the manufacturer, to determine the presence of fog, smog, or mist in the vicinity of the vehicle. If the measured relative air humidity value is determined to be greater than the predefined threshold value, the computer system 102 will determine the status of the headlight system 106 (i.e., activated or deactivated). If the headlight system 106 is observed to be deactivated, the computer system 102 is configured to send a signal to the vehicle lighting control unit 104 to activate the headlight system 106. If the headlight system 106 is observed to be already activated (for example, in low-light settings), the computer system 102 does not send a signal to the vehicle lighting control unit 104.
In the event that the measured relative air humidity value is determined to be lower than the predefined threshold value, the computer system will again determine the status of the headlight system 106. If the headlight system 106 is observed to be deactivated, the computer system 102 does not send a signal to the vehicle lighting control unit 104. In the event that the headlight system 106 is observed to be already activated, the computer system 102 will analyse the data received from the light intensity sensor 112 to determine the outside light intensity. If the light intensity is determined to be below a predefined threshold value (i.e., the vehicle is operating in a low-light setting), the computer system 102 does not send a signal to the vehicle lighting control unit 104 to deactivate the headlight system 106. If the light intensity is determined to be greater than the predefined threshold value, the computer system 102 is configured to send a signal to the vehicle lighting control unit 104 to deactivate the headlight system 106.
The vehicle lighting system 100 additionally comprises an interior control unit 116, which is operatively in communication with the computer system 102 and the vehicle lighting control unit 104. The interior control unit 116 comprises conventional vehicle user controls, including a steering wheel, pedals, gearstick, light and windscreen wiper controls, and any other suitable controls. The interior control unit 116 is additionally comprises an instrument panel 118 and an interactive display unit 120, which are configured to provide the user with status information relating to various driving parameters (for example, vehicle speed, status of vehicle lights and current vehicle location) The interior control unit 116 is configured to allow the user to manually activate or deactivate various vehicle lights, including the headlight system 106, via the vehicle lighting control unit 104.
In a second embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figure 2, the vehicle lighting system 100 additionally comprises an external data management system 122 which is operatively in communication with the computer system 102. The external data management system 122 is configured to receive and store data from the computer system 102 and, in turn, the computer system is configured to receive and store data sent from the external data management system 122.
The external data management system 122 is configured to send a weather map to the computer system 102, wherein the weather map indicates one or more geographical regions in which predefined weather conditions have been observed. For example, the external data management system 122 can be configured to send a weather map to the computer system 102 indicating one or more geographical regions in which fog, smog or mist has been observed. The weather map sent by the external data management system 122 is stored in the internal memory of the computer system 102. The external data management system 122 is configured to periodically send an updated weather map to the computer system 102, wherein the time interval between consecutive map updates is defined by the user or manufacturer.
In this embodiment, the external data management system 122 is configured to obtain a weather map from an external weather data source 124. In operation the external data management system 122 may either generate a weather map using conventional computer programming from raw data received from the external weather data source 124, or the external data management system may receive and store a weather map that is created by the external weather data source 124 itself.
The computer system 102 is configured to compare the geographic location data received from the geographical location monitoring device 114 with the stored weather map, in order to determine whether the vehicle location is within a defined geographical region.
In response to determining that the vehicle is within a defined geographical region (for example, a region experiencing fog conditions), the computer system 102 sends a signal to the vehicle lighting control unit 104 to enable activation of the headlight system 106.
Upon receiving each new data entry from the geographical location monitoring device 122, the computer system 102 compares the received location data with the most recent weather map stored on the system 102, in order to determine whether the vehicle remains within the defined geographical region or whether the vehicle has left the defined geographical region. If the computer system 102 determines that the vehicle remains within the defined geographical location, no further signal is sent to the vehicle lighting control unit 104 and the headlight system 106 remains activated. In the event that the computer system 102 determines that the vehicle has left the defined geographical region, the computer system 102 will analyse the data received from the light intensity sensor 112 to determine the outside light intensity. If the light intensity is determined to be below a predefined threshold value (i.e., the vehicle is operating in a low-light setting), the computer system 102 does not send a signal to the vehicle lighting control unit 104 to deactivate the headlight system 106. If the light intensity is determined to be greater than the predefined threshold value, the computer system 102 is configured to send a signal to the vehicle lighting control unit 104 to deactivate the headlight system 106.
In operation, the computer system 102 will determine whether the vehicle is within a defined geographical region by utilising raw latitude and longitude data and a suitable algorithm (for example, a conventional even-odd crossing algorithm or a winding algorithm).
In a third embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figure 3, the external data management system 122 is in communication with the computer system 102 of the vehicle, which is the primary computer system 102. The external data management system 122 is additionally in communication with secondary computer systems 102a -102n of one or more secondary vehicles. The secondary computer systems 102a -102n are substantially identical to the primary computer system 102, with each being operatively in communication with -and configured to receive and store data from -their respective relative humidity detectors 108a -108n, temperature sensors 110a -110n, light intensity sensors 112a -112n and geographical location monitoring devices 114a -114n (not shown herein).
The external data management system 122 is configured to analyse the data received from the primary computer system 102 and the secondary computer systems 102a -102n, in order to generate a map comprising one or more geographical regions in which defined weather conditions (for example, fog, smog or mist) have been recorded.
In operation, the external data management system 122 is configured to generate a weather map indicating one or more regions in which fog has been detected, by plotting a series of location points on the map at which one or more of the primary computer system 102 and the secondary computer systems 102a -102n has indicated that the relative air humidity has exceeded the predefined threshold value. The external data management system 122 is configured to utilise the received data to plot and periodically update one or more weather regions on the weather map using conventional computer programming.
Specifically, the external data management system 122 is configured to utilise the received latitude and longitude data to create one or more weather region boundaries on the weather map, indicating the extent of the geographical region at which a given weather condition has been recorded (i.e., the fog, smog or mist boundary).
The weather map is sent by the external data management system 122 to the primary computer system 102 and the secondary computer systems 102a -102n, where the map is received and stored in the system internal memory. The external data management system 122 is configured to periodically send an updated weather map to the primary computer system 102 and the secondary computer systems 102a -102n, wherein the time interval between consecutive map updates is defined by the user or manufacturer.
The primary computer system 102 is configured to compare the geographic location data received from its geographical location monitoring device 114 with the stored weather map, in order to determine whether the vehicle location is within a defined geographical region.
In response to determining that the vehicle is within a defined geographical region (for example, a region experiencing fog conditions), the primary computer system 102 sends a signal to the vehicle lighting control unit 104 to enable activation of the headlight system 106.
Upon receiving each new data entry from the geographical location monitoring device, the primary computer system 102 compares the received location data with the most recent weather map stored on the system 102, in order to determine whether the vehicle remains within the defined geographical region or whether the vehicle has left the defined geographical region. If the primary computer system 102 determines that the vehicle remains within the defined geographical location, no further signal is sent to the vehicle lighting control unit 104 and the headlight system 106 remains activated. In the event that the primary computer system 102 determines that the vehicle has left the defined geographical region, the primary computer system 102 will analyse the data received from the light intensity sensor 112 to determine the outside light intensity. If the light intensity is determined to be below a predefined threshold value (i.e., the vehicle is operating in a low-light setting), the primary computer system 102 does not send a signal to the vehicle lighting control unit 104 to deactivate the headlight system 106. If the light intensity is determined to be greater than the predefined threshold value, the primary computer system 102 is configured to send a signal to the vehicle lighting control unit 104 to deactivate the headlight system 106.
In operation, the primary computer system 102 will determine whether the vehicle is within a defined geographical region by utilising raw latitude and longitude data and a suitable algorithm (for example, a conventional even-odd crossing algorithm or a winding algorithm).
In each of the described embodiments, the computer system is configured to determine the presence of fog and smog conditions.
Fog is generally defined by meteorological organisations to be a weather phenomenon that occurs when the temperature difference between the outside air temperature and the dew point is less than 2.5 degrees Celsius, occurring when the relative humidity of the air reaches a value of (or close to) 100%. In order to ensure correct operation of the vehicle lighting system 100, the computer system 102 determines that fog is present when the measured relative humidity exceeds a threshold value of 98% relative humidity.
The present invention is also able to determine the presence of smog in the vicinity of the vehicle. In some cases, the outside light intensity will fall below the defined threshold level at which the headlights would automatically activate as a result of smog, although this is not always the case. In order to ensure that the headlights activate when required, the computer system 102 determines the presence of smog when the measured outside light intensity reaches 105% of the predefined threshold value and the measured relative humidity exceeds a predefined threshold value of 97%.
In addition, the vehicle lighting system 100 of each of the described embodiments also comprises a noise generator 126, which is configured to generate a continuous audible tone or sound when the computer system 102 determines the presence of fog or smog conditions. The computer system 102 is configured to activate the noise generator 126 upon determining that the vehicle is operating in fog conditions (by determining the relative humidity). Upon sending a signal to activate the headlight system 106 in fog conditions, the computer system 102 is additionally configured to send a signal to activate the noise generator 126. The provision of a noise generator is particularly useful for electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles operating in fog conditions, since the presence of fog causes a dampening of the natural noise generated by the vehicle, which is already minimal. Increased noise levels due to the noise generator 126 ensure that pedestrians are alerted to the presence of the vehicle.
In each of the embodiments described herein, the vehicle may be a conventional user-operated vehicle or the vehicle may be an autonomous or driverless vehicle.
In the case of a conventional user-operated vehicle, the user will generally have access to the full range of controls of the interior control unit 116. The user will therefore be permitted to manually override the automatic activation or deactivation of any of the lighting control systems of the vehicle lighting control unit 104. In the event that the computer system 102 determines that the vehicle is operating in fog conditions and the user has manually overridden the command to automatically activate the headlight system 106, the computer system is additionally configured to communicate with the interior control unit 116 to activate a visual or audible warning signal, where the visual signal may comprise a warning light displayed on the instrument panel 118 and/or an audible or visual message displayed on the interactive display unit 120.
It is envisaged that alternative methods of determining the relative humidity could be applied to the present invention, as desired by the user or manufacturer. Various measurement means for determining relative humidity, for example via capacitive hygrometers, resistive hygrometers, thermal hygrometers or gravimetric hygrometers are known in the art and could be used interchangeably in the present vehicle lighting system 100.
Additionally, the relative humidity measurement system may alternatively comprise a variety of sensors or detectors that allow for an indirect measurement of relative air humidity via suitable formulae. For example, the relative humidity measurement means may comprise a sensor for determining dry bulb temperature, a barometer for determining atmospheric pressure and an altimeter for determining height above sea level, where the altimeter may alternatively be built in to the vehicle's geographic location monitoring device. The measured parameters may be used in a suitable formula to calculate a value of relative humidity. It is envisaged that the relative humidity measurement means may comprise any suitable sensors or detectors that allow a calculation of relative humidity to be achieved.
Furthermore, although threshold values of 98% and 97% relative air humidity are preferred for detection of fog and smog conditions, it is envisaged that the exact threshold value may vary, in accordance with the particular requirements of the manufacturer and/or user.
It is also envisaged that various other vehicle lights could be activated and deactivated in addition to the headlight system 106. For example, when fog is detected, the vehicle fog lights, if not already activated, may be configured to be activated via a signal from the computer system 102.
Furthermore, it is envisaged that the interactive display unit 120 may be configured to display the weather map stored on the computer system 102 in addition to, or instead of, a conventional satellite navigation map. This provides the user with a visual indication of the weather regions that have been observed in the vicinity of the vehicle.
It is envisaged that the first embodiment of the present invention could be used in combination with the second and third embodiments, in that the standard method of operation is due to relative humidity determined by the vehicle's own relative humidity detector 108, whereas the operation as a result of determining a geographical location of the vehicle may supplement this operation, or may be used in the event of failure or miscalibration of the relative humidity detector 108 of the vehicle.
Various other alterations and modifications may be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention.
GACLIENT\446-449\G9C14462001GB\DESCRIPTION (final).docx

Claims (21)

  1. CLAIMS1. A lighting system for a vehicle, comprising: a headlight system; relative humidity measurement means configured to determine the relative air humidity outside the vehicle; and a computer system operatively in communication with the headlight system and the relative humidity measurement means, wherein the computer system is configured to activate the headlight system in response to receiving a signal from the measurement means indicating that the measured relative air humidity value exceeds a predefined threshold value of relative humidity.
  2. 2. A lighting system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the computer system is further configured to deactivate the headlight system in response to: (a) receiving a signal from the relative humidity measurement means indicating that the measured relative air humidity is below a predefined threshold value of relative humidity; and (b) receiving a signal from a light intensity sensor, which is operatively in communication with the computer system, indicating that the outside light intensity exceeds a predefined threshold value of light intensity.
  3. 3. A lighting system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, further comprising a temperature sensor and a geographical location monitoring device operatively in communication with the computer system.
  4. 4. A lighting system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the relative humidity measurement means and the temperature sensor are located within the housing of an exterior mirror of the vehicle.
  5. 5. A lighting system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the computer system is configured to receive and store data from the relative humidity measurement means, the temperature sensor, the light intensity sensor and the geographical location monitoring device.
  6. 6. A lighting system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, further comprising an interior control unit which is operatively in communication with the computer system, wherein the interior control unit allows the user to manually activate or deactivate one or more vehicle lighting control systems.
  7. 7. A lighting system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the interior control unit comprises conventional vehicle user controls, an instrument panel and an interactive display unit.
  8. 8. A lighting system for a vehicle, comprising: a headlight system; a geographical location monitoring device configured to determine the geographical location of a vehicle; and a computer system operatively in communication with an external data management system, wherein the computer system is configured to activate the headlight system in response to determining that the vehicle is located within a predefined geographical region determined by the external data management system.
  9. 9. A lighting system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the computer system is further configured to deactivate the headlight system in response to: (a) determining that the vehicle is outside of the predefined geographical region; and (b) receiving a signal from a light intensity sensor, which is operatively in communication with the computer system, indicating that the outside light intensity exceeds a predefined threshold value of light intensity.
  10. 10. A lighting system as claimed in claim 8 or claim 9, further comprising relative humidity measurement means and a temperature sensor operatively in communication with the computer system.
  11. 11. A lighting system as claimed in any of claims 8 to 10, wherein the relative humidity measurement means and the temperature sensor are located within the housing of an exterior mirror of the vehicle.
  12. 12. A lighting system as claimed in any of claims 8 to 11, wherein the computer system is configured to receive and store data from the relative humidity measurement means, the temperature sensor, the light intensity sensor, the geographical location monitoring device and the external data management system.
  13. 13. A lighting system as claimed in any of claims 8 to 12, further comprising an interior control unit which is operatively in communication with the computer system, wherein the interior control unit allows the user to manually activate or deactivate one or more vehicle lighting control systems.
  14. 14. A lighting system as claimed in claim 13, wherein the interior control unit comprises conventional vehicle user controls, an instrument panel and an interactive display unit.
  15. 15. A lighting system as claimed in any of claims 8 to 14, wherein the external data management system is configured to send a weather map to the computer system, wherein the weather map indicates geographical regions in which defined weather conditions have been detected.
  16. 16. A lighting system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the external data management system is configured to obtain the weather map from an external weather data source or, alternatively, wherein the external data management system is configured to generate the weather map using data received from the external weather data source.
  17. 17. A lighting system as claimed in any of claims 8 to 16, wherein the external data management system is operatively in communication with one or more secondary computer systems.
  18. 18. A lighting system as claimed in any of claims 8 to 17, wherein the external data management system is configured to generate and/or update the weather map based on data received from the computer system and/or the one or more secondary computer systems.
  19. 19. A lighting system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the relative humidity measurement means comprises: (a) a relative humidity detector to enable direct measurement of relative air humidity; or (b) at least one sensor to enable indirect measurement of relative air humidity.
  20. 20. A lighting system as claimed in claim 20, wherein the relative humidity detector comprises an electronic resistive hygrometer, a capacitive hygrometer, a thermal hygrometer or a gravimetric hygrometer.
  21. 21. A lighting system as claimed in any of the preceding claims further comprising a noise generator, wherein the noise generator is operatively in communication with the computer system, and wherein the computer system is configured to activate the noise generator immediately following the activation of the headlight system.GACLIENT\446-449 \G9C14462001GB \CLAIMS (final).docx
GB1814771.0A 2018-09-11 2018-09-11 Automatic headlight activation in fog conditions Active GB2577247B (en)

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GB1814771.0A GB2577247B (en) 2018-09-11 2018-09-11 Automatic headlight activation in fog conditions
PCT/GB2019/000130 WO2020053540A2 (en) 2018-09-11 2019-09-11 Automatic headlight activation in fog conditions
CN201980074007.9A CN113039092A (en) 2018-09-11 2019-09-11 Automatic headlamp activation in fog conditions

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GB1814771.0A GB2577247B (en) 2018-09-11 2018-09-11 Automatic headlight activation in fog conditions

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CN113039092A (en) 2021-06-25
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GB201814771D0 (en) 2018-10-24
WO2020053540A2 (en) 2020-03-19

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